TACLOBAN CITY — Abaca farmers in Biliran are shifting toward mechanized fiber extraction with the distribution of three stripping machines by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) to farmer organizations in Culaba and Almeria.
The machines were turned over on Sept. 9, with one unit going to the Calipayan Abaca Farmers Association (CAFA) in Barangay Calipayan, Culaba, and two units to farmer associations in Almeria.
PhilFIDA Regional Office Director Joseph Salas said the assistance forms part of the agency’s efforts to introduce mechanization in abaca-producing communities and improve the efficiency of fiber processing.
The Abaca Spindle Stripping Machine (ASSM) is designed to make fiber extraction faster and more efficient while helping farmers improve fiber quality and reduce production costs.
CAFA president Emerita Monzales received the equipment on behalf of the association and thanked PhilFIDA and the local government for the assistance.
She said the association would maximize the use of the machine to improve fiber processing and provide better livelihood opportunities for its members.
Culaba Mayor Humphrey Olimba, Municipal Agriculturist Alvin Opril and Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture chair Jose Dayoha also expressed support for the machinery assistance.
In Almeria, the two machines were received by representatives of the beneficiary associations Alberto Asumbrado and Luzviminda Atibula.
The turnover was attended by Provincial Agriculturist Brian Sinangote, Municipal Agricultural Officer Rowell Capuslanan and Mayor Maria Sale, who also expressed support for initiatives promoting farm mechanization.
PhilFIDA technicians conducted demonstrations and hands-on training for the beneficiaries on the operation and safe handling of the machines. The training also covered basic troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
The agency said the machinery assistance is part of its continuing efforts to modernize abaca production and strengthen farmer organizations in Biliran.
PhilFIDA said it is working with local governments and farmer organizations to expand mechanization assistance to abaca-growing communities across Eastern Visayas, in line with the Department of Agriculture’s agricultural modernization agenda and the agency’s fiber industry development programs.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
